MediaMaker Spotlight
The biweekly podcast "MediaMaker Spotlight" features conversations with industry professionals speaking on a wide range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. The series is a great resource for creators and collaborators who want to learn more about filmmaking, production, and all that goes into bringing projects to life. Our show is a great place to learn, find inspiration, discover communities of support, and celebrate our shared passion for film, television, video and visual storytelling in all formats and mediums. "MediaMaker Spotlight" is produced by the Women in Film & Video Podcast Committee. Learn more at MediaMakerSpotlight.com.
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 142
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Filmmaker Chats Direct from Ebertfest - Part 2: Angus MacLachlan & Steven Ball
In this episode, MediaMaker Spotlight producer Brandon Ferry hosts behind-the-scenes interviews with two more illuminating artists – direct from the 2025 Ebertfest film festival. First, Brandon speak…
Filmmaker Chats Direct from EbertFest - Part 1: Susan Seidelman & David Fortune
In this episode, MediaMaker Spotlight producer Brandon Ferry sits down with two visionary directors whose films were screened at this year’s Ebertfest film festival held at the Virginia Theater in Ch…
Chaz Ebert: Moving Forward After Roger, a New Book, & More
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams sits down with Chaz Ebert, for a lively discussion about her book, It's Time To Give A FECK. FECK stands for forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness. She als…
The Power of Preserving Family Legacies with Heritage Films
In this conversation, filmmaker Chance McClain sits down with host Candice Bloch and shares his journey from a diverse creative background to founding Heritage Films, a company dedicated to creating …
Woman of Vision Honoree Talks Latest Project with Co-Creators
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with three WIFV members about their independent feature film, THE OTHER YOU, and how the movie went from an idea during the pandemic to its premiere during t…
Editing Your Career: A Conversation with Dustin Elkin
Host Tara Jabbari interviews editor Dustin Elkin who has worked in Los Angeles and Chicago for clients such as CBS, Mattel, Hallmark, and Bally’s. During their conversation, Dustin shares the importa…
Host Special: Celebrating 100 Episodes!
In this celebratory 100th episode of MediaMaker Spotlight, our three hosts - Candice, Sandra, and Tara - reflect on their journey, the evolution of the podcast, and the impact of Women in Film & Vide…
Producing Decades of Hollywood Blockbusters
In this episode, host Candice Bloch interviews William Fay, a seasoned producer and motion picture executive, discussing his extensive career in the film industry. Bill, known for producing and execu…
Words of War: Refusing to Silence Press Freedom (Part 2)
In this second episode of a special two-part series, host Sandra Abrams chats with Maxine Peake about her portrayal of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian-American journalist, in the film Words of War. Max…
Words of War: Refusing to Silence Press Freedom (Part 1)
In this first episode of a special two-part series, host Sandra Abrams chats with Mark Maxey, WIFV board member and producer of a new geo-political thriller, WORDS OF WAR. The film tells the story of…
Greenlighting Sustainable Eco-Friendly Productions
Ahead of Earth Day, host Candice Bloch interviews Kat Friis, an Emmy award-winning producer and founding member of Green the Bid, a grassroots, non-profit industry organization that aims to shift the…
Indie Filmmaking in Remote Areas & Communities
Host Tara Jabbari has a conversation with Catherine Haigh and Hannah Congdon to explore the journey of creating their documentary, Women Behind the Wheel, which focuses on women's empowerment in remo…
MediaMaker Spotlight Trailer
MediaMaker Spotlight, the official podcast of the DC-based non-profit, Women in Film & Video, features conversations with industry professionals on a range of topics of interest to screen-based media…
Practicing Safe Sets: Improving Production Health & Safety
Dr. Paul Heinzelmann of the documentary feature, Safe Sets, and Becky Morrison of the production company, The Light, sit down with host Candice Bloch to discuss humane production practices. They expl…
New Doc Feature: Who the Hell is Regina Jones?
Host Sandra Abrams chats with publishing trailblazer Regina Jones and Soraya Sélène, one of the co-directors of the new documentary, “WHO THE HELL IS REGINA JONES?” The film tells the remarkable stor…
Actor Carl Lumbly Reflects on Alias, Captain America, & More
In this episode, host Tara Jabari interviews actor Carl Lumbly, known for his roles in Captain America, Alias, Doctor Sleep, and more. They discuss Lumbly's portrayal of Isaiah Bradley in the latest …
Host Special: Love, Laughs, and the Rom-Com Genre
It’s time for another all-hosts special! Hosts Sandra, Tara, and Candice chat all about romantic comedies ahead of Valentine’s Day. We discuss some of our favorite films, actors, and tropes within th…
Stories that Reframe Aging and Celebrate Older Women
Documentary filmmaker Melissa Davey sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to discuss her filmmaking journey and her latest film, Climbing Into Life. The film is about the remarkable story…
Art Amidst Adversity: A Journey from Ukraine to Venice
In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with Zhanna Ozirna, a Ukrainian filmmaker whose first feature film premiered at the Venice Film Festival. They talk about the inspiration behind her film, th…
September 5: Inside the Day of Terror That Changed Live TV
In this episode, host Candice Bloch has a brief chat with Director Tim Fehlbaum and actors Leonie Benesch and Ben Chaplin of the film September 5. They talk about some of what went into producing the…